In commemoration of World Malaria Day, Dr. Dinesh Kumar Tyagi, Additional Director of Internal Medicine at Fortis Hospital, emphasizes the critical role of awareness, testing, and timely treatment in the prevention of malaria. 16 types of complications can occur from malaria. Therefore, malaria should never be taken lightly.
Dr. Dinesh says that malaria is a vector-borne disease, which is spread by protozoan parasites. This disease is caused by the bite of female Anopheles mosquitoes which are frequently born in contaminated water during the summer and rainy seasons. As a result of its bite, the patient may experience headaches, joint pain, and extremely high fevers or chills; however, in certain cases, the patient may have malaria even if they have a mild fever. Frequently, individuals can show up with symptoms resembling jaundice or epilepsy, termed as cerebral malaria. Apart from this, sometimes complications can escalate, leading to breathing and kidney problems
‘We should never underestimate Malaria. There is another special variety in this, Plasmodium Falciparum, which is found here in Dadri region. This can be fatal and sometimes the patient may die within 24 hours. Apart from this, the cases of malaria that are commonly seen are spread through the protozoan parasite of Plasmodium viruses, Dr. Dinesh.
Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are imperative. Dr. Dinesh says that for diagnosing malaria, we first conduct a blood test, in which we demonstrate malaria parasites or detect malaria parasites from the patient’s body through cartridges. After that, malaria medications are provided, and treatment is done based on symptoms. Timely intervention significantly improves patient outcomes, underscoring the importance of proactive healthcare measures.
Dr. Dinesh emphasizes prevention as the foremost strategy, providing practical advice:
1- Install nets on windows and doors to prevent mosquito entry.
2-Use mosquito net while sleeping.
3-Wear full-sleeved clothes.
4-Use mosquito repellents and insecticides.
5-Do not allow water to accumulate around the house, spray medicines in stagnant water so that mosquitoes do not breed.
